Report: Saban officially hires Kiffin as Bama's offensive coordinator

As we mentioned first on Tuesday, Alabama’sNick Saban had a backup plan when Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier bolted for Michigan, and now he’s made it official.

Saban has hired former USC head coach Lane Kiffin to replace Nussmeier, according to an ESPN report.

Last month, Saban made headlines when he brought Kiffin in to share ideas with the Tide offensive staff.

“Lane is a really good offensive coach, and I’ve always had a tremendous amount of respect for him,” Saban said at the time. “Just to come in and brainstorm a little bit to get some professional ideas with our guys is a really positive thing.”

ESPN reports that Kiffin agreed to a 3-year deal, and the contract is being completed.

Kiffin, who was fired as coach at USC in September after a 62-41 loss at Arizona State, was 28-15 record in three-plus seasons with the Trojans. He went 7-6 in his only season at Tennessee and 5-15 in two seasons with the Oakland Raiders.

Prior to becoming the Raiders’ coach, Kifffin spent six seasons as an assistant at USC, the last two as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator.